Dear Church Family,

I'd like to take a moment to update you on our church reopening. As you might be aware we were supposed to reopen July 4, 2020. However, with the recent spike in Covid-19 cases and out of abundance of caution we have chosen to postpone that reopening. Our church board will be meeting Tuesday July 14th to discuss our future plans for reopening. Please keep a lookout for an updated plan.

Thank you,

Good Afternoon Church Family,

I am writing on behalf of the leadership of the Southpoint Church to give you an update on our current situation. I hope this letter finds you and your family well. I would like to let you know that each of you have been in our thoughts and prayers. We know many have lost loved ones due to Covid-19 and our hearts break for those who are mourning at this time.

As a church board, we've met and prayed together to ask God's guidance upon our church and the process of reopening. With this being said, we understand that there are a variety of different opinions on this particular issue but in accordance with all the information provided to us by our governing body and all local, state and federal government, we have made the decision to begin a phased reopening of our local church on July 4, 2020. With that decision being made, we would like to share the details of that phased opening.

1. Upon entering the local church, you are agreeing to the following statement provided by the Florida conference legal team:
   In this current climate, there is an inherent risk of exposure to Covid-19 in any place where people gather. Covid-19 is caused by a virus and can spread from person to person. Its symptoms range from mild to severe illness or even death. While everyone is at risk of contracting this illness, the CDC has advised that there is special, higher risk for older adults and people of any age who have an underlying medical condition. By entering this church, you acknowledge that you are aware of these risks, and that you personally and voluntarily assume any and all risk of exposure to, or any illness from, the COVID-19 virus.


2. Masks or face coverings will be required to enter the church building. This is part of our insurance requirements to be able to reopen. Our local church body and board does not have any say in this decision. We ask for your cooperation in this matter. Masks will be provided for those who do not have them, (We ask you retain those masks to help lower costs). Those who are unable to wear a mask due to medical conditions or other reasons we encourage you continue joining us through online mediums.


3. We will be limiting the number of people in our facilities to 75 people per service. This means we will be moving to two services in order to support our current need. All members will be asked to register for a service in order to help us control those numbers. 65 spots will be available for members and 10 will be reserved for guest and community members who are not aware of our current process. All members will be asked to leave between different events to allow for cleaning of the sanctuary.
   
   Our new schedule will be as follows:
   10:00am-11:00am - Sabbath School
   11:30am-12:30am - First Service
   1:30pm-2:30pm - Second Service
   3:00pm-5:00pm - Burmese Service
   
   
4. We are asking anyone with signs of illness to remain at home. Voluntary temperature checks will be offered at the door. Any one exhibiting signs of illness will be asked to return home. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the building in accordance to CDC guidelines. Social distancing will be required. Members will be asked to refrain from direct contact with one another.


5. Children's Sabbath School with the exception of Early Teen and Teen class will remain online for the time being. In discussions, the conference recommended that children's activities be discouraged. We understand that social distancing is very hard to maintain with smaller children. Until we can ensure their safety or develop a plan to help maintain social distancing, they will remain online.

Please understand that this is an ever changing situation. We as a board are prayerfully considering each decision as it directly effects our membership. We understand that there will be some who are not ready to make the step back to church at this time due to an underlying illness or simply because they do not feel comfortable. Please know that you are still a beloved part of our family and we respect your decision. If you are currently serving in a role and do not feel comfortable returning please let us know so that we might begin to fill the need as it arrives. We want everyone to feel comfortable and safe returning to church. We do not want anyone to feel pressured to do so but to feel able to return as soon as they are ready. We as a church are keeping close watch on the current situation and will continue to make decisions as the situation develops. I would like to leave you with this passage of scripture:

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Sincerely,